Matthews Motor Company was founded as Matthews Brothers Garage by Stanton and William Matthews. The brothers opened the business with a square dance on October 31, 1924. After establishing the business as a gas station and repair shop, the two brothers began selling new Chevrolets in 1925. The business survived the great depression, even though only three new cars were sold in 1932. A key to surviving the era was the ownership and operation of two school buses, contracted to the Brilliant Local School District from 1933 to 1939. At the end of that contract, the school district decided to operate their own buses for the first time.
Just as business was improving in the early 1940's, the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 changed everything. With factories converting to fuel the U.S. war machine, vehicle production was halted from 1942-1945. During this period, the brothers owned and operated coal trucks, hauling whatever was needed to survive. In 1943, the brakes went out on one of the trucks causing it to crash into the truck in front of it. Stanton Matthews was severely injured and the driver of the truck with the lost brakes was killed in the accident. After this unfortunate tragedy, it was decided to just operate a repair facility until World War II was over. That was a good decision, since the cars on the road were wearing out. Engines were replaced and overhauled, and all types of repair work were done. Finally, new 1946 Chevrolets were produced, and the post-war automobile boom was in full swing. Waiting lists were common as no one had enough new vehicles to meet the high demand. Vehicles were allocated, and no matter how many units were sold, only a few were delivered to each dealer at a time.
In 1950 Theodore Matthews, son of Stanton, joined the business. In October, 1954, Stanton bought the share of business owned by his brother, William, and changed the name of the company to Matthews Chevrolet. Joseph S. Matthews, son of Theodore, joined the business in 1971. Stanton Matthews passed away on November 18, 1973. Theodore assumed the role of Dealer Operator, and Joseph became General Manager. Theodore finally retired after 65 years in the business in 2015. Joseph Matthews remains in his position as owner and General Manager.
General Motors filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Under their reorganization, they did not include Matthews Chevrolet in their future plans. In 2010 the company was renamed Matthews Motor Company.
Several local employees worked for many years with Matthews Motor Company. Carl Mosser was a part of our family for 52 years and was a wonderful person and outstanding mechanic. He passed away on November 14, 2002. Judy Hanlin recently celebrated her 50th year working for us. Bobby Wells worked with us since the 1960s, doing both mechanical and body work. He retired in 2015. Ray Wells worked as an excellent mechanic for over 40 years before retiring in 2016. Rich Grabits now works at the Cardinal Plant after 22 years as an outstanding mechanic and technician. Howard Cunningham retired after working in our sales department for 10 years. Sadly, he passed away on June 24, 2015 and will be missed. Steven Drexler began work as a mechanic in 2007. Nick Maggiore began work in our sales department in 2007, but recently retired (again) and has moved to Florida. Jay Gruber assists with sales and service on a part time basis. Fred Shuppas began work as a mechanic in 2015.
Just as business was improving in the early 1940's, the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 changed everything. With factories converting to fuel the U.S. war machine, vehicle production was halted from 1942-1945. During this period, the brothers owned and operated coal trucks, hauling whatever was needed to survive. In 1943, the brakes went out on one of the trucks causing it to crash into the truck in front of it. Stanton Matthews was severely injured and the driver of the truck with the lost brakes was killed in the accident. After this unfortunate tragedy, it was decided to just operate a repair facility until World War II was over. That was a good decision, since the cars on the road were wearing out. Engines were replaced and overhauled, and all types of repair work were done. Finally, new 1946 Chevrolets were produced, and the post-war automobile boom was in full swing. Waiting lists were common as no one had enough new vehicles to meet the high demand. Vehicles were allocated, and no matter how many units were sold, only a few were delivered to each dealer at a time.
In 1950 Theodore Matthews, son of Stanton, joined the business. In October, 1954, Stanton bought the share of business owned by his brother, William, and changed the name of the company to Matthews Chevrolet. Joseph S. Matthews, son of Theodore, joined the business in 1971. Stanton Matthews passed away on November 18, 1973. Theodore assumed the role of Dealer Operator, and Joseph became General Manager. Theodore finally retired after 65 years in the business in 2015. Joseph Matthews remains in his position as owner and General Manager.
General Motors filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Under their reorganization, they did not include Matthews Chevrolet in their future plans. In 2010 the company was renamed Matthews Motor Company.
Several local employees worked for many years with Matthews Motor Company. Carl Mosser was a part of our family for 52 years and was a wonderful person and outstanding mechanic. He passed away on November 14, 2002. Judy Hanlin recently celebrated her 50th year working for us. Bobby Wells worked with us since the 1960s, doing both mechanical and body work. He retired in 2015. Ray Wells worked as an excellent mechanic for over 40 years before retiring in 2016. Rich Grabits now works at the Cardinal Plant after 22 years as an outstanding mechanic and technician. Howard Cunningham retired after working in our sales department for 10 years. Sadly, he passed away on June 24, 2015 and will be missed. Steven Drexler began work as a mechanic in 2007. Nick Maggiore began work in our sales department in 2007, but recently retired (again) and has moved to Florida. Jay Gruber assists with sales and service on a part time basis. Fred Shuppas began work as a mechanic in 2015.
